Mothers Uncovered (Livestock)

Mothers Uncovered (Livestock)
Credit: Mothers Uncovered (Livestock)

Mothers Uncovered is created by Livestock, a Brighton based arts production company and registered charity.

The idea behind the project is twofold. Firstly, to give mothers the chance to talk openly and honestly about their feelings and experiences, without fear of judgement. There are many Mother and Baby groups, but these are often informal drop-ins, not suitable for discussing issues that might be difficult or painful. There are also post-natal depression groups, but we wanted to take away the stigma of ‘not coping’; for the issues to be re-addressed as challenges to be shared. A sympathetic ear can work wonders.

Secondly, Mothers Uncovered want to give mothers the chance to celebrate and commemorate this point in their lives. It is very easy for a new mother to feel sidelined by the focus that is naturally placed on the baby and to have difficulty expressing her feelings in a way that can also be creative.

By documenting the participants’ opinions in interviews, writing, photography and other creative arts, it acts as validation for what they are experiencing.

Since the project started in 2008, the company have run discussion groups in children's centres, performed a show in the Brighton Fringe based on interview with participants and created a show based on mothers' writings for the Adult Learing Festival. We have recorded the pieces for future broadcast and are gathering material for a book of mothers' stories.

Contributions

Mothers Uncovered designed their own questionnaire for their members, and also encouraged photo diaries.